2020 Kia Soul EV prices and specs revealed

The ‘First Edition’ model of the new Kia Soul EV has been announced. Buyers of a First Edition Soul will get additional equipment and a choice of distinctive paint colours for a price of £33,795 (after the £3,500 plug-in grant). The Soul EV can be ordered now, with the first cars arriving in UK dealerships in early 2020.

At launch, buyers will only be able to have the Soul with a 64kWh battery pack and an electric motor that produces 201bhp. Kia claims the Soul EV is capable of 280 miles of range on a single charge and that fast-charging to 80% using a 50kW fast charger takes 75 minutes. It offers brisk performance too, with Kia confirming its small electric crossover will sprint from 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds.

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Its expected that a second entry-level version of the Soul EV will join the range in 2021 with a smaller 39.2kWh battery and a less powerful 134bhp electric motor. This model will offer a reduced range of 172 miles between charges. Kia previously confirmed that the electric Soul will be the only model coming to the UK, despite the launch of petrol and diesel models in other markets.

The South Korean company has pulled out all the stops to make the Soul EV’s range as long as possible. Not only is energy recaptured from braking, but it can also capture the heat emitted from the air conditioning unit. You can even choose to shut down many of the vents to conserve range.

The Soul EV has four driving modes. Eco and Eco+ will maximise driving range by limiting the power output and air-con, while Normal and Sport are also available. The latter increases the steering and motor response to make the car feel more dynamic, while advanced multi-link rear suspension is fitted for the first time, benefitting both comfort and engagement.

Inside, there’s a seven-inch digital dial cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment display that offers both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless smartphone charging. Leather seats are also standard, with an eight-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat. Kia's 'UVO' telematics system also features on the Soul EV, monitoring battery life, charging status and offering real-time information on nearby charging stations. You can also pre-heat or cool the car and set your route on the UVO App before you set off on a journey.

The standard safety kit list is extensive, with adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist among the safety technology on offer, along with forward collision avoidance assist and driver attention warning assist.

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Additionally, the launch edition can be specced in a choice of three two-tone colour schemes. Inside it gets heated seats, a heated steering wheels, climate control and a 10-speaker Harmon/Kardon stereo system.

Outside, the car retains the SUV-influenced crossover design style of its predecessor, retaining its 'floating' roof and upswept rear quarter windows, while gaining headlights that are slimmer and incorporate LED technology. A blanked-off grille hints at its electric heart, and incorporates a charging point at the right hand side. Standard exterior styling includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, roof rails and rear privacy glass.

Do you want to know more about Kia’s electric car model range? Why not read out reviews of the Kia e-niro.